Here are some of the topics we have discussed with our classes on the Hebrew Bible:

• Genesis (Creation Stories)

• Noah and the Flood

Motifs:
Revelation of G-d to man
Sacred pacts
Lineage

Symbols:
Fertile ground
Ark = salvation = revelation

Theme:
Devastation of the human race
Human evil

Literary & Rhetorical devices:
Repetition (Lord, Lord)
Contrasting (binaries/dialectics)
Metaphor (G-d walked with Noah)
Personification (earth filled with anger)

• Abraham and Isaac

Symbols:
Ram (savior/scapegoat)
Abraham's action = visible sign of faith
Isaac = sheep/ram = sacrifice

Themes:
Faith
Sacrifice
Obedience

Literary Devices:
Dialogue
Repetition (Here I am)

Portrayal of G-d:
Divine
All-knowing (omniscient)
All-powerful (omnipotent)
Harsh

• Jacob and Esau

Portrayal of G-d:
Generous (childbirth)

Themes:
Betrayal
Deception
Birthright

Symbols:
2 nations
Twins

Motifs:
Esau's strength (Enkidu-like)
Jacob is witty
Hierarchy (social, gender, age)

Literary Devices:
Synecdoche (hairy arm = Esau)

Rhetorical Devices:
"By your sword" (metaphorical)

• Psalms

• The Song of Songs